Mark Stephenson
Welcome, I'm Mark, a Canadian contemporary representational artist creating works that reflect my local environment. With so many distractions it's easy to miss what is living around us, in our backyards, our parks and neighbourhoods. For me, it's the birds that have caught my attention and imagination. As I observe them, I get drawn into their world, see their personality, what makes each and every one unique and a story develops. I approach each work as I would a portrait painting, a journey to find the character and likeness while including my own thoughts on their stories in the process. I hope you enjoy the birds of my neighbourhood.
My work centres around experience, either one I've experienced or an experience I'm creating. The personal connection a person, a location, or an bird brings me joy as I create in and out of the studio.
Drawings and paintings of birds begins close to home. I go for regular walks at Beaver Pond in Kanata, often with my camera, photographing, listening and spending time with the birds I see along the way. Inspiring me to create new works.
Projects are often where my professional background in design blends into my artistic practice. I'm out to shape thoughts, create an experience and explore my own limitations. Projects have included interactive electronic art, painting social media portraits, monocles, and live painting; all cumulating in shared experiences.
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A self portrait created during a time self reflection and healing.
Windows of opportunity (self portrait) by Mark Stephenson, oil on canvas, 2015
Artists Statemenet
Mark is Canadian contemporary representational artist creating works that reflect his local environment. With so many distractions it's easy to miss what is living around us, in our backyards, our parks and neighbourhoods. For Mark, it's the birds that have caught his attention, drawing him into their world. Approaching each work as he would a portrait; Mark embarks on a journey discover the stories of the birds of his neighbourhood.
Daytime
During the day I'm the Chief Designer at Pagecloud, an tech startup in Ottawa that is out to revolutionize the way we create web sites (like this one). If you haven't used the Pagecloud website builder, you should!
You can check me out LinkedIn for more about my design work.
Community
It's important to give back to your community, I focus my volunteer efforts towards creating a prosperous environment for arts and culture in Ottawa.
Figureworks, Past President
Figureworks is an international annual juried art prize and celebration of the art of the human form held in Canada’s capital, Ottawa. Our mission at Figureworks is to cultivate and exhibit art of the human form. Visit Figureworks
Kanata Art Club, Life drawing studio coordinator
I coordinate the booking of models, life drawing sessions along with studio setup.
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